The bedrock of all things campfire cooking is a decent set of cast iron skillets. If you shower them with love, care, time and oil they will repay you with non-stick glory and unleash the flavours of the outdoors and deliver you deliciously cooked dinners!
There's something magical about cooking over a campfire, surrounded by nature's beauty and the crackling sound of burning wood. While traditional campfire cooking methods like roasting marshmallows on sticks or grilling hot dogs are beloved classics, using a skillet on a campfire opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. In this blog post, we will review our trusty, loyal set of skillets and explore the benefits of cooking with a skillet on a campfire and how it can elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
Camping Scamping Review:
After trawling the internet for "the best" cast iron skillets, some needing a second mortgage to be taken out in order to afford them, we decided to go for a lower-priced set to see if it could handle what we needed it to, without breaking the bank! We went with the Nuovva set from Amazon, comprising a 10" and a 12" skillet coming in at £39.99. They came pre-seasoned and after an initial wash they were good to go. Their inaugural dish was our chicken, mushroom and goats cheese pennoni and they did not disappoint. There was some catching of the chicken on the bottom, but overtime the repeated post-use seasoning has paid off and they are now pretty much non-stick. There are two fundamentals that you must follow to ensure the durability and longevity of your skillet: a) soap is your enemy, avoid at all costs, and b) always spend time seasoning after use, no matter how tired you are! Clean in water only, completely dry, cover with a thin film of oil, heat, cool, wipe with another thin layer and store.
Why skillets?
1. Versatility:
One of the greatest advantages of using a skillet on a campfire is its versatility. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, a skillet allows you to cook a wide range of dishes. Sizzle up a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, whip up a flavorful stir-fry for lunch, or create a mouthwatering one-pot dinner. The possibilities are endless, and the skillet becomes your trusty companion for all your outdoor cooking adventures.
2. Even Heat Distribution:
Skillets, especially those made of cast iron, excel at distributing heat evenly. When placed on a campfire, the skillet absorbs and retains heat, ensuring that your food cooks consistently. This even heat distribution prevents hot spots and allows for precise control over the cooking process. Whether you're searing a steak or sautéing vegetables, a skillet on a campfire ensures that your food is cooked to perfection.
3. Enhanced Flavors:
Cooking with a skillet on a campfire adds a unique smoky flavor to your dishes that cannot be replicated in a traditional kitchen setting. The combination of wood smoke and the natural flavors of the ingredients creates a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable. From the charred edges of a perfectly seared steak to the caramelized onions in a skillet of campfire-cooked chili, the flavors are intensified and take on a whole new dimension.
4. Minimal Cleanup:
One of the joys of outdoor cooking is the simplicity it brings. Using a skillet on a campfire means fewer dishes to wash and less cleanup. With proper care, a cast iron skillet can develop a natural non-stick surface, making it easy to clean. Simply wipe off any food residue, rinse with water, dry thoroughly and season with oil. The minimal cleanup allows you to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time worrying about the aftermath of cooking.
5. Connection with Nature:
Cooking with a skillet on a campfire is not just about the food; it's about the experience. It connects us with nature in a profound way. As you gather firewood, start the fire, and watch the flames dance, you become immersed in the primal act of cooking. The sights, sounds, and smells of the campfire create a sensory experience that enhances the enjoyment of your meal. It's a reminder of our connection to the earth and the simple pleasures it offers.
Cooking with a skillet on a campfire is a delightful way to unleash the flavors of the outdoors and elevate your outdoor cooking experience. The versatility, even heat distribution, enhanced flavors, minimal cleanup, and connection with nature make it a truly rewarding culinary adventure. So, the next time you embark on a camping trip or gather around a bonfire, don't forget to bring along a trusty skillet. Let the campfire be your kitchen, unleash the flavours of the outdoors and savor the delicious meals that come to life amidst the beauty of nature.
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